30th Annual New England Regional Chili Cook Off Is Saturday, May 2

Chili cooks and chili-tasters, get ready. Saturday, May 2 is the 30th annual Chili Cook-Off in Somers.

SOMERS — Chili cooks and tasters, get ready.

The 30th annual New England Regional Chili Cook Off is coming up Saturday, May 2.

Approximately 60 chili cooks from as far away as California and Canada will be getting ready this week to compete for the title of best chili cook, said Michael Freedmanm, the event organizer.

"Anyone who thinks they make the best chili in the world, now's the time to prove it," Freedman said.

Chili cooks can submit red or green chili to be taste-tested by nearly 150 judges, Freedman said. Salsa makers can also submit their sauces to be taste-tested in a salsa competition.

Entertainment ranges from fire-eaters, to a wing-eating contest and clowns from the Shrine Circus. At noon, organizers will release 1,000 balloons, Freedman said.

Freedman said he's expecting from 8,000 to 10,000 visitors.

Admission is $7 per person along with two canned goods, or $8 a person without canned goods. Proceeds from Saturday's cook-off will benefit the Somers Volunteer Fire Department and the Patriot Guard Riders of Connecticut.

The cook-off runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, at the Pleasant View Golf Center, 452 South Road in Somers.

"Come early, spend the day, it's only $7 and two canned goods," Freedman said. "There's not many places you can go with a family of four under $30 and have all sorts of fun, entertainment and food this good."